A Commitment to Generosity, Inclusiveness, and Truth

The Getty’s president reaffirms our organization’s enduring values

The Getty was founded on the belief that a greater appreciation of art makes the world a better place. As an art historian, I know this to be true. Art helps us to know ourselves; it fosters curiosity and empathy for people of other cultures, times, and places. It prompts us to question what is and imagine what could be.

As a museum and library we are a gathering place for learning and the exchange of ideas. We embrace people of all colors, cultures, ages, abilities, convictions, economic means, gender identities, and sexual orientations. If you visit the Getty, pursue research in our library, or come to volunteer or work with us, you are welcome here.

As a conservation organization we are dedicated to the stewardship of humankind’s shared artistic and cultural heritage. Around the world we work with colleagues to study and preserve artworks, buildings, and heritage sites for future generations. We believe that the human drive to create and connect knows no borders, and no walls.

As a center for research and philanthropy in the arts we believe in the value of scholarship, dialogue, and debate. We support the pursuit of knowledge through factual evidence and principled argumentation. We know that the past has much to tell us, if we take the time to study it.

On both the national and international stage, 2016 has been filled with conflict and uncertainty. But the dedication, generosity, and empathy I see around me every day at the Getty make me profoundly hopeful for the future we will create together.

If these values resonate with you—or if you think the Getty could do better—I welcome your thoughts. Please leave a comment, drop me a note, or chat with me on Twitter. I would love to hear from you.

About The Author

I’m president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust. An art historian by training, I’ve been a professor and director at several other arts institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago; the Courtauld Institute of Art; the Harvard University Art Museums; Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College; the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, UCLA; and Vassar College.

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103 Comments

Martha
on December 19, 2016 at 12:13 pm

Thank you, Jim, for your message of hope we all so desperately need at this time. I am thankful to work at the Getty, surrounded by wonderful colleagues who are not only intelligent but also kind and respectful of our differences. Through education we have learned not to fear other cultures and ideas, instead we embrace them in order to broaden our knowledge of humankind. The next few years will be very challenging but I hope that organizations like the Getty, lead by men/women of vision, can help us through them. Best wishes, and many thanks for your leadership and support.
Martha

I find it both heartbreaking and heartening that so many institutions seem to feel obliged to send out this sort of coded message lately. (Recently received a similar one from UCLA.) It’s truly tragic that so many of us have suddenly been plunged into anxiety and genuine fear for our democratic way of life and the values we hold dear. I’m ever more grateful for the Getty and for all the bastions of light and learning here in California. I will cling to them over the next four years, and hope that knowledge, empathy and basic human decency will ultimately prevail.

The two of us have been retired for a remarkably long period of time and have been periodic visitors to both Getty institutions for many years (actually decades). We have enjoyed many exhibits, programs and meals at the Getty and look forward to more of the same. Our primary concern is that our country will embark on what looks like a difficult and questionable period in which the arts and culture may be seriously challenged. We look forward to having the Getty maintain its high performance level in what looks like difficult times. We look forward to your activities in 2017.

Thanks, Jim. What a timely message. I’m so grateful for the respite and sanctuary the Getty provides. Here’s to another year of great exhibitions, collaborations, and programs! All the best to you, Rai

I share Getty’s values and I admire your work. I wish something more could be done to protect the cultural heritage of the bloodying middle east where many simbols of cultures and populations are being destroyed by terrorists and bombing. I support your mission and I think it’s the best path to integrate the many wonderful cultures of our planet.

Thank you for your leadership during this deeply anxious time for so many people. Every one of us needs to speak up and be more engaged, and we need institutions like the Getty to help us avoid becoming discouraged and downcast. Thank you for speaking up for truth, inclusivity, intellectual depth and civic engagement. We are truly grateful. Doug Satre

What a beautiful commentary to close the year out! I have always loved the Getty museums and always make a point to bring my friends and family and those visiting LA to The Getty and The Getty Villa. They are always so thrilled from the youngest child to the oldest adult.

The Arts do unite us and open our eyes to the beauty and vastness of our world and its people.

Thank you so much!!! You are indeed the right captain at the helm of the lovely ship that is the Getty!!!

Happy Holidays and many blessings to you, all the staff and your family!

Your message of hope is warmly embraced as we head into a period of both domestic and international uncertainty characterized by individuals and ideas which seem so at odds with the Getty’s values of welcoming, sharing, understanding, co-operation, dialogue, respect, learning, and peace. As the world shrinks, the ideas espoused by the Getty only grow in significance and importance for humankind – they need to be constantly heard.

I moved to LA in 1970 and for the next some 12 years enjoyed going to the old Getty, now the Getty Villa. In the mid 80’s I moved to Sacramento. Since that time I have made frequent trips to both the Getty Villa and the Getty Center. In fact, your two museums have me scheduling trips (1) around the timing of the ancient plays shown in September outside at the Getty Villa and (2) sometimes around the actual exhibits at the Getty Center and/or Getty Villa. Occasionally, I get down to So. Ca. about twice a year.

First, I adore the architecture of both museums! Second, please never stop your ancient outdoor Greek and Roman plays! Occasionally I have “fallen” upon musical events at the Getty Center. If there is any way of giving at least a 3-month notice of musical events at the Getty Center it would be appreciated. I already am planning to see “Iphigenia” in September 2018–I called and inquired as to what play you would be giving. However, I cannot expect a Getty representative over the phone to tell me of any musical events coming up in the next 6-9 months. So, perhaps you might figure out a way to post them for those of us who love to not only take advantage of the visual art, but the audio art as well!

It is about time that a leading institution like the Getty explore to gradually “expand” its horizon beyond just Art and Library. The power of Art and Music combined can have tremendous +ive impacts on the “healing” process for patients and/or for those who, unfortunately, are terminally ill.

Perhaps a small step in that direction is necessary to take this further.

My wife and I visit the Getty often. (I have been known–when she is out of town visiting family–to go to the Getty, find a place to sit, have an espresso and read the newspaper and never quite get inside any of the exhibits.) Of course we normally enjoy the museum exhibits.

If pushed to make a suggestion maybe I think that the parking fee would be better if it allowed for a two or three hour visit at a lower price than the full charge.

In any event, The Getty is a wonderful place to have so centrally located for most people in the L.A. area to enjoy–well maybe from a selfish point of view, I don’t want to many to come because of congestion parking and inside the exhibits.

Mr. Cuno,
Thank you for that beautiful, heartfelt, impassioned message on your values: Generosity, Inclusiveness, Truth.
It was a message I for one, really needed to read today.
I am a fine artist. Making art is my life, my passion, my living.
The state of things had me wondering – lately especially – if I should abandon my dreams for some more tangible pursuit of goodness in the world. Your timely message re-calibrated my dedication to my work. I may not be an artist showing at The Getty, but my work has reached the far corners of the world and I know it is important, as you so beautifully stated, “Art helps us to know ourselves; it fosters curiosity and empathy for people of other cultures, times, and places. It prompts us to question what is and imagine what could be.”

Dear Jim — I so appreciate and agree with your philosophy of art as a path to empathy. To me, art is as essential as the air I breathe, but so many have not yet realized its importance. Thirty-some years ago, my MBA thesis project at UCLA’s Anderson school consisted of advising the Getty Villa Gift Shop (there was only the Villa at the time) on ways to better fulfill their mission. Our main theme was “accessibility”. Recently, as a visitor to both Getty Museums and as a follower of the Getty on Instagram, I have been thrilled to see how well that theme is being realized. Keep up the good work?

the Cave Temples of Dunhuang exhib was a stellar example of what the Getty does best. Great educational value that highlighted conservation efforts with global reach. I feel lucky to be able to take advantage of this outstanding cultural resource.

Thank you, Jim, for this little bit of needless virtue signaling. I feel better knowing that the Getty stands for “truth” and “factual evidence” and against the forces of Darkness that are apparently all around us. (Come to mention it, it *has* been getting dark our earlier and earlier these past weeks – am I the only one to notice?)

If there’s one thing that will bring us all together, it is art museums sending out dog whistles to the chattering classes of Los Angeles about inclusiveness and gender identities and the like. Such bravery, Jim! I feel in a safer space already.

Your statement does resonate with me! I love both Getty Museums and love to see places which are well taken care of and also take good care of its visitors. You are right about art expanding our views and our tolerance of all people and cultures. Thank you for your thoughts.

Dear Jim,
It is heartening to have the president of so prestigious and influential an organization as the Getty Center speak forthrightly about the values of diversity and inclusiveness. Recent events make your statement especially welcome.
Thank you.
Bruce

Hello, I was wondering if you could please, please get rid of the audio message in the tram. It is so loud and so annoying for those of us who go there regularly. It is so loud you can’t even have a conversation with out-of-town visitors. It makes the Getty look very cheap, like a commercial. Looking forward to 2017, hopefully a year without loud marketing in such elegant places. Thank you in advance.

I feel deeply moved by this clear and bold message of hope and inclusivity. I’ve lived in four countries on three continents, visiting museums and galleries wherever I go, and the Getty has always been my favorite. I feel a sense of true peace and wellness whenever I visit, and I am grateful to realize today that this is intentional — and meant for all. 2016 has been a heartwrenching year. Thank you, Getty and Mr. Cuno, for taking a stand to welcome and engage all of humanity in the betterment of the world.

Bob and I love the Getty, especially the Getty Villa because it is only 1/2 hour from our home in Malibu. We like the evening lectures and loved the evening 2 or 3 part classes you used to have so that we could learn about a particular culture or work of art over a period of time – weekly or bi-weekly. The more lectures the better. We feel very lucky to have the Getty in our own back yard so to speak.

Your welcome thoughts on inclusiveness are just what we need more of today. It seems that art and artists are often interested in finding and supporting a community which welcomes all kinds of people and their differing forms of creative expression. May that welcoming spirit spread in every direction now and throughout the coming year. Perhaps the example you set for others will be a seed that starts a new, more positive thought pattern for someone.

I have enjoyed many of the concert and lecture programs presented at the Getty (in addition to the art exhibitions) during the past year. But I must commend you on a most thrilling and stirring show this past Saturday night – the Terry Riley/Gyan Riley improvisation was mind-blowing. I had never seen Riley senior although enjoying his compositions over the years. I could never have imagined such an exciting display as Saturday night. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I know from my work that you make a generous contribution to people and projects around the world. It is a great fringe benefit to those of us in the Southern California to have Getty events, exhibits, lectures, and staff near us.

I want to applaud your sentiments as I agree. My family and friends visits to the Getty are among the best moments of our year. That the Getty exists gives me hope for the future of art and a kinder more INclusive Los Angeles, America and world.

I am with you on your mission statement, until your organization found the need to throw in “gender identities and sexual orientation.” I find such wording so pandering, and offensive. How about simply, “people from all walks of life” and leave it at that. My question becomes, are you an institute of art, or of political “in”correctness?

Thank you so much for affirming the values that those of us who work/volunteer at the Getty share. At the moment, we deeply need reaffirmation of values that aspire to our higher selves, to transcendence, even. Certainly the arts are one of the principal vehicles through which humanity has traditionally sought to reach for those higher emotional, intellectual and spiritual realms. As a guardian of the arts, it is our responsibility at this institution to stand by our commitment to those values and I trust that both the institution and each of us individually will continue to do so.

Now, for a suggestion: this is something that has been on my mind since I started my work as a volunteer school group docent. How about one or more exhibitions that highlight the work of women in the arts? Aside from the countless anonymous hands that worked on our remarkable collection of tapestries, I am aware of only two works in our collection created by women. I realize that at this point in history, it would be difficult to actually purchase the works of great female artists, but perhaps, not as difficult to borrow a collection of representative works from other public and private institutions. Also, there is clearly no rule that states that the Getty can only display works from 14th to 19th Century Europe. It would be a great source of pride and a sense of validation to be able to show school children images that are evidence of women’s power as creators, not just objects for our gaze. We, our society, our children, our daughters, need this now more than ever.

In the hope that you will give the above some serious consideration, very sincerely,

Jim–
I love the Getty and I have attended many exhibitions and lectures since it was first constructed. It’s an amazing place and I am grateful that it’s located in Los Angeles where I live.
Your December message is to the point and heart-felt. As an artist, I am especially concerned about the ongoing damage to the world’s cultural artifacts and welcome the Getty’s conservation efforts.
Thank you, and thanks for being open and approachable.
Pamela

Thanks for this message, The Getty shines a light towards understanding, knowledge and history. If all the visitors that pass through the doors at the Getty take away even part of your insight, then it’s a victory for all art.

Hi Jim,
Thanks to you and your staff for your service and dedication to the arts, culture and history. The Getty has always been a haven of peace for those who are fortunate to visit. One recommendation I would make is to find a way to fund transportation to the poorer parts of town with all the concomitant notice to bring the children and students who have never had to opportunity to visit your establishment. I believe that if they visit and have their eyes opened to the beauties of the world you would engender a new generation of art lovers and thinkers. They would able to dream of new opportunities through education and the arts. I hope you can find a way to do this. Thanks-Joe

Dear Joe, you are a visionary in the Getty mold! The Getty actually does bring thousands of students from Title 1 schools, with free transportation every single week day of the school year! They get a tour, guided by one of the many volunteer docents like myself. You are also right about the effect that this place has on these students, most of whom, unfortunately do not get even the minimal art instruction, although there are some exceptions. Thank you for thinking like us.

Great thoughts. And I would expect nothing less from one of the greatest institutions that celebrate the creativity in humanity. I always look forward to visiting the Getty Villa and Getty Center to re-invigorate myself and remind myself what amazing beauty can be created by us simple creatures. I appreciate having the Getty as part of our global society and am even more grateful it is in my backyard. No matter what happens (here, or abroad), the Getty will be there welcoming all, shining a light on all that is great with mankind. So, thanks. Thanks for being there for all of us.

Hi Mr. Cuno,
I have been a visitor to the Getty Museum & the Getty Villa for several decades & I continue to enjoy your permanent collections & special exhibitions, in particular from this past year: “London Calling” & the dawn of photography exhibition of work from France, and at the Villa, the Roman mosaic exhibition. Your curators always include excellent information for the visitor alongside the very professional installations of beautiful artworks.
Thank you for your museums’ wonderful contributions to our city’s cultural heritage!

Dear Jim: The Getty and Los Angeles are lucky to have you here. You have done wonders for expanding the involment of the Getty in the community, embracing diversity and expansion. We cannot predict what the future will bring but you have many friends prepared to help. Thank you for all your work and dedication. Looking forward for the next chapter of the Pacific Standatd Time

Thank you for your excellent post on truth and wisdom for this immediate time. I am always humbled and moved by the vast treasure of human insight, potential and history at both the Getty and the Getty Villa. I can never get filled! There have always been bumps in culture and history. Hopefully there are enough of us to provide stability and hold on during this phase of our history. Blessings for your voice and incredible work!

As a second year school tour docent at the Getty Center, I cannot express enough my appreciation for the new home and family I have found at the Getty. I believe we are never too old to learn, and I am lucky enough to be able to do so both from my learned colleagues, from the Getty educators, and from the school children I escort around the museum each week. It has been my great pleasure to be a part of your vision and of this great cultural institution and I hope to be doing more of the same in the coming years. My thanks to you also, Mr. Cuno, for the lavish holiday party you throw for all of us each year.

Hi Jim,
I very much liked your message about the Getty’s enduring values.
I would like to venture that climate change imperils those values. Our planet is in grave danger and if it’s no longer suitable for human habitation — as will be the case if we don’t take more action soon — there will be no one left to appreciate art let alone make it.
I believe it behooves us all to not stick our heads in the sand, and as citizens of the planet to do what we can to protect it. Great organizations like the Getty have a particular responsibility to not carry on business as usual.
I wonder if this makes sense to you, and if so, what the Getty can do to help the fight to save our beautiful world.

Thank you for posting the letter. In a growing atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, especially for artists, it is reassuring to see leaders of important cultural institutions taking a stance and emphasizing values such as empathy and generosity, and helping us realize that we are not alone.

Every time someone visits us in L.A., we take them to the Getty. It is one of our favorite spots in town. Keep doing what you are doing, and thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing the wealth of art with the community.

I visit the Getty many times each year via the Sepulveda bus. My visits vary in their focus, depending on what special shows are on view or just my mood and the clarity of the sky that day. They often include sitting somewhere for quite some time contemplating the wonderfulness of the Getty. Thank you all so very much.

Great missive. I especially appreciated “…scholarship, dialog and debate.” Would you be amenable to consider “dialectic” as an added and important approach to the consideration of factual evidence and principled argumentation to aid in discourse and the creative process? It is my belief that if we can sometimes abandon the debate format and substitute a dialectical approach, we may have fewer emotional opportunities to dig in with confirmation bias and stubbornness. Something that I know I’m guilty of quite often.
It seems that in the Talking Heads culture of media, our fact finding missions tend to be goal oriented – essentially mining for confirmation bias. Whereas, a dialectical approach may have a much better chance of having a mind moved towards the truth.

Your comments will be cherished – and shared with friends and family. Have already shared with friends and business colleagues in Brussels. Since the election I have been making a point of noticing every immigrant, child of immigrants or grandchild of immigrants who has enriched our lives – what a list. A reminder that what makes this country great and good, is the contribution of those who have chosen to come here (and others that were brought here without choice) and how those contributions have made this society, country and world better places. Thank you for your uplifting, important and positive message.

Last night at sunset i had an epiphany while listening to Leonard Cohen and gazing out on the LA basin basked in twilight. The Getty is one of the truly unique and wonderful places in Los Angeles. It is one of the few gathering places in the world that has such stunning art on the inside and outside and reaches out to the community. As I gazed out from the terraces designed so ingeniously by Richard Meier that utilize the light of a sunset so well I realized how lucky I was to be there at that moment. I said hello to a few old friends – Monet, Degas, Gauguin and Van Gogh then engaged the cactus in the low glow of evening. I rode my electric motorcycle which enabled parking and visiting for free. Thanks for being a guardian of this gem. May it thrive – even in the forthcoming dark ages.

My wife Regenia and I live in Chicago. Whenever, we’re in the LA area, we look forward to visiting Getty. This past summer we again visited your museum. We enjoyed new exhibits and the permanent installations. We also enjoying a tour, which ended with Van Gogh’s Irises painting. A couple of years ago, we visited Getty Villa.

We appreciate your museum so much! And the setting above Belair is spectacular. Thank you.

James,
Thank you for your most welcome message on Commitment to Generosity, Inclusiveness, and Truth. As one who has been marginalized most of my life because I am a gay man, anytime I see support for inclusiveness, generosity and truth it means a great deal to me.
Keep up the great work of the Getty.

I’m not sure what to make of this invitation to comment. I’m not sure what “values” you suggest? Are you asking about artistic values? Political values? Which side of liberal vs conservative values? Yes scholarship, dialogue and debate are essential combined with factual evidence and principled argumentation. And yes the past has much to teach us but sadly too few know the history of the past and instead rely on emotions, feelings, and sound bites crafted in the present by modern story tellers without the supporting evidence. The international stage is a complex place and without access to events happening around the world, and don’t think for a minute that the US media provides us that, we are subjected to propaganda. The Getty community is a profoundly welcoming place to all cultures and ideas. But I’m not so sure about the community being receptive to all political views. Let’s keep politics out of it. We have a new world order in the making with Trump, Brexit, France and Italy all snubbing Brussels so let’s see where things go and reconvene with a huge embrace where people can enter an environment at the Getty FREE of political strife and issue, to breath free (Statue of Liberty) and embrace beauty, art, innovation, scholarship, history, and have “out of body” experiences that transport guests to joy.

What a refreshing note to read in my email today. I appreciate and value your sentiments in this uncertain time. I am happy to see a leader in our art culture step forward to share these thoughts. Thank you!

Jim – your note made me cry. It’s easy to forget that most people are committed to living in a world of love, equality, and with the belief in the power of art to inspire and heal. Thank you for the work you do to make the Getty a sanctuary for the anima mundi in LA.

Thank you for this beautiful message. It comes at a time when we are aching, with the death of civility, fairness, and virtue as a virtue in our political life. Our civilization may not recover for a long time. We are grateful to have you and The Getty as a center of culture and an example raising up and sharing what is best in humanity.
Thank you again.
Kat

I always go to the Getty Museum or to the Getty Villa when I am in misanthropy mood. Every visit, lecture, or just talking with my family in the gardens return me the credit to humanity. Special thanks for “Power and Pathos” and “Unruly Nature”, which made 2016 year is special!

You need to figure a way to put water back in the pools at Getty Villa. People go there to relax and feel comfort. But now when you go it’s depressing and all you think of is the drought. I think if you really wanted you could think of a way to put water back in the pools. Your right next door to the ocean.

Thank you to Jim and the Getty. Thank you for sharing your values that uplift not just yourself but also those in your community and the world at large. Thank you for speaking your heart and conscience. Despite the shadows of our current times, there are many more people who share a truly reverent consciousness and vision for a progressive future that enlightens humanity as a whole. I am truly grateful for having such places as the Getty that enhance people’s lives through the opportunity and service they provide to learn and grow in this life’s journey.
Travel is the deterrent of narrow-mindedness. Travel is what started our walk as a society out of the dark ages (a time of ignorance) into the Renaissance where we rediscovered our roots and forgotten truths, through the Age of Enlightenment where we began to revolutionize our thinking to serve humanity and now in the present era with the largest global community. One does not have to travel physically to broaden their horizons though. Any degree of formal or informal education and knowledge seeking serves as a mental journey into an expanded world. One of the rich’s sources to dive into this is the study of history, not only does it show you were you as a collective human being have been but also where your headed or where you can step off the beaten track and lay a new path.
The classic saying goes, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Ignorance is the greatest downfall of human traits. Ignorance hurts everyone including the ones who promote it or want to stay at that level. Only by expanding our minds and our understanding of the world do we create more opportunity for all.
As Angelenos we are fortunate to live in one of the greatest cities of modern times. One of the things that makes Los Angeles strong and unique is its diversity. It is home to a plethora of different cultures. Notably the architecture of L.A. reflects the history and diversity of cultures. Cruising around Los Angeles is a mini journey of world travel itself. City Hall encompasses American, Greek and Romanesque designs. LA Central library is a mix of Egyptian, Byzantine and Spanish styles. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is an ode to Italian Renaissance and of course we have the iconic Greek and Roman time-capsule that is the Getty Villa. Los Angeles is also a place where you can find places of worship of all denominations such as Hindu and Buddhist temples. This is what makes L.A. great.

In this troubling time, when I feel the highest values of culture and civilization are being over-run by greed , imbalance and the most superficial of values it’s good to know that the Getty sits on the hill preserving the best of who we humans cube. Art is forever!!.

Good to hear this stated so clearly – and thank you for making so much of what you do available to people like us 5,000 miles away. We enjoyed a wonderful visit a few years ago, but have been able to enjoy more in the years since via your website – from illuminated medieval manuscripts to the caves at Dunhuang. All brilliant.

Thanks a lot for sending the mail to me, an ordinary visitor from China. I visited Getty Museum and Getty villa when I was in LA, and every time Getty brought me peace and delight！Arts is the best way to make people of different cultures to know with each other, and Getty has done this successfully!

The past one year was full of unexpectation,not only in US, but also in the rest of the world. And we, the human beings, are facing more and more common challenges in the future. Hope there will be more dialogues between different cultures, more mutual- understanding in the world.

As one of the most influential museums in US, I do hope that Getty have more chances to make foreign people to know you in the future!

I an elementary school teacher. When my students are involved in creating art they get very focused and engaged in their projects. Art creates mindfulness. When I visit museums and art galleries I feel a sense of inner peace.
Thanks, merci, gracias, grazie, shnorhagal em…

I live in Washington DC where we have wonderful museums, but I have to say your Podcasts are outstanding. I suspect there are many like us who peek into your activity as I do. I share concerns expressed in the comment below about our cultural future with the incoming administration. Thank you for persevering with your mission, and have a prosperous 2017!
Wendy

But we can take it as a chance to show our strength and our commitment to the liberal, progressive values that are inherent in any such institution. And to remind those who threaten those bedrock values that we are the majority.

As I awoke this morning to yet another terrorist horror in Berlin, I was especially heartened by your impassioned message of love and hope. While war threatens our very humanity,art in all its forms will help it endure, but only if institutions like the Getty can prevail in their mission to display, protect and preserve that art. That’s why as an arts educator I gladly donate my time at the Villa. My hope for 2017 is that the Getty will extend its reach beyond providing exposure to the arts to providing HANDS-ON ART PRODUCTION for children to counteract their lose of such experiences in California’s public schools. Best Wishes for a peaceful New Year. Diane

Dear Mr. Cuno,
I agree with many assertions you have made, however, I also gather an opinion you have made in a blanket statement that “we” of the Getty are all of the same opinion. I don’t believe Mr. J. Paul Getty would care for your evaluation.
Your expression is harmless enough, however I am baffled why you would even feel compelled to write a letter of this nature. The Getty Museum is a place for all without further discussion, no need for enlightenment of your values. Please leave politics out of our fortunate gift from all who to this day have kept The Getty Museum and the wishes of J. Paul Getty alive.
Sincerely, Anne Samways

Thank you. In this time of divisiveness, it is especially important to express our thoughts on the importance of culture and understanding of multiple cultures. Your mention of factual evidence and principled argumentation pleases me enormously. The use of such elements is essential to our survival.

Thank you for your email! My husband and I throughly enjoyed the talk was given by Tan Dun this summer. Ever since we saw his first opera “The Lasr Emperor” presented by New York Met a few years ago, we have been following on what he does most of the time. We are very excited and can’t wait to hear the piece that he is working on which is related to Mo-Gao Caves. My question is will he be doing more talks before he finishes the piece? We would love to be able to hear from him from time to time until he finishes it.

Thank you for all you do! We love Getty Center, we always take our visitors to visit. Unfortunately, we don’t leave in L.A., otherwise I would love to volunteer when I’m retired.

I write to thank everyone who responded to my recent end-of-year message and blog post, “A Commitment to Generosity, Inclusiveness, and Truth.” I was touched that so many Getty staff and friends took the time to write and share their views on the topic. Many wrote movingly about the issues the world currently faces and the role arts institutions like the Getty can play in response to them, most in agreement but some in opposition to my views. That is precisely the kind of free exchange of ideas we value at the Getty. I wish I could respond to all of you individually but the number of responses I received was far too great to allow me to do so. Let me thank you again, both for your commitment to the Getty and for your embrace of our commitment to the preservation and interpretation of the world’s cultural heritage. Wishing you the very best for the holiday season, I am, yours, Jim

Your message is so profound and a gift to all of us. It is important for respected institutions as the Getty to remind us, and even those who disagree, that we are part of a larger and precious civilization–past, present, and future.
Thank you for your kind words.

Jim, Nancy forwarded this to me. What a lovely and appropriate comment. Everything you say rings true.
Indeed, art is even more important at a time like this and it will flourish at the Getty.
I just saw the Giovanni di Paulo and that is such a beautiful and special exhibit. Bravo! And
much more.
I hope to see my favorite museum director in the New Year.
Fondly,
Marjorie

Thank you for your statement to reaffirm the values your organization holds dear. Every one of us needs to stand and speak up about our values, and we need art to help us understand and express those. As said by another contributor “Thank you for speaking up for truth, inclusivity, intellectual depth and civic engagement. We are truly grateful.”

Jim,
I am moved by your letter, sharing the values and intentions of the Getty Trust. I too am hopeful for the future because of organizations like the Getty and the people that comprise them. Inclusiveness, Truth, Generosity, Stewardship of our cultural heritage and the creative endeavors, and education are the ideals that support a world that has possibilities to thrive! Thank you for supporting a Thriving World!

I have enjoyed visiting both museums, several times each, and have shared it with many. As an earth builder I have also enjoyed following restoration projects and the international conferences supporting this work.

Mr. Cuno, I read your year-end note every year, as it always brings inspiration. My wife and I visit Los Angeles twice every year from our home in Vancouver, and THE highlight of our trips is always the same: the multiple visits we make to the Getty Center and the Getty Villa. The incredibly rich, almost overwhelming array of work on display fill our hearts and souls. It’s what we live for. This past year has had its challenges, and I fear for America, and the world, what the next four years will bring. But the Getty, and our visits there, will continue, a sanctuary of light and beauty and hope. Thank you again Mr. Cuno. Best wishes to you and yours.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. You have just answered any questions I may have had. I have been volunteering at the Getty since 1997. I find my time here now just as refreshing and rewarding as I did when I first started. I appreciate the leadership you are providing. Again, thank you!

Dear Jim,
What a nice message. We are so lucky to have one of the greatest repositories of art in our own backyards.

I am also happy that you have been so willing to embrace difficult topics. It speaks to your understanding and empathy for society’s changing attitudes and concerns and how through art the Getty can provide a means for addressing some of our most pressing challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion.

I think you are a great guardian and custodian of our very special and valuable treasures housed in and throughout the Getty.

Hello James Cuno,
When I read your message it took me by surprise. I felt such honor thank you for sharing your message. I hope you know that your message is making a difference. Its like light in the dark.
I still have memories of when we would be taken on field trips to the Getty and I would love to see my kids and their kids see it also.
Happy Holidays
And thank you for the Getty!!!

I absolutely love this letter. It says just about everything that is centrally important to me: inclusive, challenging and inspiring. Also, without any asking for money! It appears to be motivated simply by the humanitarian belief that the pursuit of truth and beauty is the reward in and of itself. Thank you.

The Getty just like all venues can always be improved however as a fellow artist your programming could stand a bit of variety blending art music and technology within the framework of a museum. While assuming that funding may be an issue perhaps partnering with artistic technical groups who are usually well financed and more-so if they are long standing may be a possible direction.

Sound art is a global winner and becoming more defined as technology continues to merge and blend with art and music.

I have been thrilled to share the Getty Villa twice this year with family and friends. Thank you for sharing this wonderful oasis with all of us here in California. The atmosphere is so peaceful and the folks who work there are all so helpful. This is on my permanent ‘to do’ list for everyone who comes to see me. 🙂 Sharing is what we all need more of!

Thank you for sharing and reiterating the values that the Getty organization has. As a native Angeleno, I am proud of the Getty organization and its commitment to making art accessible to everyone. The Getty continues to inspire me and my young son – for the museums are a place of beauty, reflection, love, the past, the present, and the future for us. Continue to keep this conversation alive. It’s important to know that there is hope and that everyone is welcome.

Thank you for the inspiring message. My husband and I, as well as our three daughters enjoy the sanctity of both the Getty and the Villa. I had two siblings, across the country, separately forward your letter, as well as finding it in my own email. I especially appreciate the message of unity. I think your note brought light into quite a few inboxes.

Mr. Cuno,
I agree with what you are saying since their is nothing stronger than the heart of a Docent at he Getty. We all have the spirit of service, generosity and the compassion of those individuals that are visiting the museum since we all share the health and well being of are community, our country and our world.

Kudos to you Jim. These are great values all arts organizations should aspire to. It makes me proud to be a part of the Getty and to work under your leadership. By the way, the Gallery Docent program under the educational leadership of Elliott Kai-Kee is excellent. I am so happy I was chosen to be a Gallery Program docent.